The passage of matter into these forms, that is to say, the origin of individuals, is not a special part of natural science, for every individual springs from its like by generation, which is everywhere equally mysterious, and has as yet evaded definite knowledge.
— from The World as Will and Idea (Vol. 1 of 3) by Arthur Schopenhauer

You can’t have a good talk when she’s here.” “Are you expecting Darya?”
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of 233 Short Stories of Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov

"I am hearing about you every day, and I have been meaning to come and have a heart-to-heart talk, as they say.
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of 233 Short Stories of Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov

Years have I now spent in tracing the intricate workings of the human heart, and yet, each day am I making new discoveries; but it is with the sex of whom you are most ignorant that I have attained the greatest knowledge, for the reason, that to me they are more ready to communicate their thoughts and feelings, while to you their whole aim is to conceal them,—whereas men rarely allow more to be known than they can avoid.
— from The Prime Minister by William Henry Giles Kingston

In the air are two nude Angels coming down from a flash of Heaven's lightning, which gives light to the landscape, which is most beautiful, and to the whole work besides, which is the most finished, the most celebrated, the greatest, and the best conceived and executed that Tiziano has as yet ever done in all his life.
— from Lives of the Most Eminent Painters, Sculptors and Architects, Vol. 09 (of 10) Michelagnolo to the Flemings by Giorgio Vasari

Every man knew the terrible peril so near him; each felt that at any instant a frightful death might overtake him, and yet every detail of the duty was carried on with the coldest unconcern; and when at last the time came to carry away the barrels, on a species of handbarrow, the fellows stepped in time, as if on the march, and moved in measure, a degree of indifference, which, to judge from the good Bishop's countenance, evidently inspired as many anxieties for their spiritual welfare, as it suggested astonishment and admiration for their courage.
— from Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol. II, No. X., March 1851 by Various

The stories of the Lilliputians and Brobdingnags, purified from coarse allusions, are the delight of children; but the description of the Houyhnhnms and Yahoos excites disgust and indignation.
— from The Age of Pope (1700-1744) by John Dennis

As to myself, the nephew who had promised to look after me put a twenty-franc-piece in my hand saying, ‘Here are your eight days in advance.
— from Other People's Money by Emile Gaboriau

how are you?" exclaimed Dr. Carleton, extending his hand, which was as eagerly seized.
— from Alone by Marion Harland

"I am thinking, Dolly, that you have the most maddening mouth that ever woman had, and your eyes—" "Don't, don't!"
— from The Desired Woman by Will N. (Will Nathaniel) Harben

Inside of a fortnight she'd have all you ever done and a whole lot you never thought of doin' advertised from Race P'int to Sagamore.
— from Thankful's Inheritance by Joseph Crosby Lincoln